Lunch: Lunch in Cartagena is no less of an important meal than dinner, and Hart says it is the perfect time to get into the most renowned restaurant in Cartagena, Celele. Led by chef Jaime Rodriguez, it is one of the best restaurants in Latin America, and it is worth visiting Colombia just to eat here—which means getting a dinner reservation can be pretty hard. Booking for lunch increases your odds.

Don't miss popular mainstay restaurants like Celele, Alma, La Cevicheria, Carmen, and Donjuán Cartagena. In 2023, chef Heberto Eljach, the brains behind Alma, debuted Ánima in Casa Pestagua, focusing on the ancestral traditions of Colombian cuisine.

Opened on December 20, 2018, Celele Restaurant is the materialization of a dream of the two Colombian chefs Jaime Rodríguez and Sebastián Pinzón. Celele Restaurant now sits in a historic building with high wooden ceilings and exposed stone walls in the Getsemani neighborhood in the historic district of Cartagena de Indias.Enjoy a coconut G&T at the outside bar before diving into Celele’s dishes explore unique tastes offering everything from seasonal blue crab and toasted coconut rice, conch with corn to goat kebab to lobster tartare and coconut sorbet. Chefs Jaime Rodríguez Camacho and Sebastián Pinzón Giraldo spent years exploring the Caribbean coast of Colombia to perfect their proposition before opening, meeting indigenous people and discovering flavours and ingredients they had no idea existed.

Celele - N°91 en la lista de Latin American 50’s Best Restaurants 2013-2021 Pasado y Futuro y galardonado con el premio Art of Hospitality Award 2021- es el resultado de la investigación Caribe Lab, de los chefs Jaime Rodríguez y Sebastián Pinzón Giraldo - ganador del S.Pellegrino Award for Social Responsibilitypara la Región de América Latina en la edicción 2019-2021 deS.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy. El proyecto redescubre productos agrícolas de ecosistemas caribeños como las Serranías de Coraza y los Montes de María, plasmando la identidad de comunidades rurales y urbanas de la región en el colorido y estética de los platos, especialmente con el uso de flores y hojas silvestres. Celele Calle del Espíritu Santo, Cra.

En el primer puesto tenemos a Celele, ubicado en la Calle del Espíritu Santo, en el barrio Getsemaní, es un restaurante cuya oferta gastronómica se basa en el Caribe Colombiano. En el año 2019, Celele ganó al premio “Miele Want To Watch award”; y en el año 2020, ocuparon el puesto N°49 en los Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, reconocimiento que otorga la reconocida lista mundial de “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants”. Jaime Rodriguez su chef utiliza ingredientes autóctonos de la región Caribe Colombiana, trabajando de la mano de pequeños productores, pescadores, artesanos y agricultores; y a su vez fomenta la investigación de la mano del jardín botánico de Cartagena, biólogos e instituciones educativas.

Surcando las calles del barrio de Getsemaní se llega a Celele, el restaurante del cocinero Jaime Rodríguez en el que comerse -literalmente- el color del Caribe. Su apellido, Proyecto Caribe Lab, es la pista de todo lo que gira alrededor de su gastronomía y de su proyecto de investigación; y es que aquí, todo lo que se come, está fundamentado y tiene la cara, la voz y el alma de cada uno de los prod uctores que han cultivado, cuidado y recogido las materias primas que utilizan y por las que se desviven. En su fachada, azul Klein, se posicionan todos los premios que durante años le han convertido en uno de los Mejores Restaurantes de Latinoamérica por The World’s 50 Best.

Don’t miss popular mainstay restaurants like Celele, Alma, La Cevicheria, Carmen, and Donjuán Cartagena. In 2023, chef Heberto Eljach, the brains behind Alma, debuted Ánima in Casa Pestagua, focusing on the ancestral traditions of Colombian cuisine. “Ánima’s relationship with Colombian cuisine is focused on ancient techniques of traditional cooking — this includes preservation methods (cured, salted, fermented, canned, smoked, pickled), the use of local products, artisanal fishing, organic products from the Montes de Maria, Amazon, and other regions of Colombia,” Eljach told T+L.

If you do not know which restaurant to choose, we suggest Celele, Mila, Carmen, la Cocina de Socorro, Interno, El Gobernador, María, Alma, and Mar—a few highlights among endless options. After lunch, continue sightseeing at the famous Castillo de San Felipe, whose military structure is considered one of the 7 wonders of Colombia. Inside you will find tunnels, galleries, a main square, ramps, traps, and escape routes that will undoubtedly transport you back in time.

Celele is a standout restaurant in Cartagena, offering modern interpretations of Colombian Caribbean coastal cuisine. Led by Chefs Jaime Rodríguez and Sebastián Pinzón, the restaurant is celebrated for its creative use of local ingredients and cutting-edge techniques. Their focus on the rich and diverse flavors of the Colombian Caribbean has earned Celele international recognition, making it one of the most sought-after dining experiences in Cartagena.

Dicen que Colombia es el país de mejor calidad gastronómica del continente con los permisos de Perú, y donde oficia Leo Espinosa en Bogotá. Pero hay cocineros creativos como Jaime Rodríguez y Sebastián Pinzón que se han reinventado el producto y los inefables platos caribeños, caso del tartar de langostinos, el mejillón en escabeche costeño y el cangrejo. Cocina criolla, que tiene tanta ida y vuelta como las boronias en texturas o un kebab de chivo.

The menu at Celele reflects the mixture of cultures—Spanish, Lebanese, African, and Indigenous—that makes Cartagena so unique. While we all love the typical fried fish and coconut rice that is often associated with the cuisine of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Celele takes traditional dishes to the next level. Add in a stylish and laid back atmosphere, and this restaurant has all the ingredients for a great meal.

A friend I met in London (who is the head chef at one of my favorite restaurants, Maison Bab) recommended Celele to me, and it was such a cool experience. It definitely skews more "foodie" and inventive, but I quite enjoyed that about it (just keep in mind if you're less of an adventurous eater). It's facade is unassuming, but the interior (especially the cozy courtyard where we sat) is absolutely darling.

For a true taste of Coastal Colombian cuisine, make a reservation at Celele, one of South America’s top restaurants. Located in the Getsemaní neighborhood, walking distance from Old Town Cartagena, Celele puts a modern twist on traditional dishes, created by one of Colombia’s best chefs. With a reputation as one of the top 50 restaurants in South America, this is a dining experience you won’t want to miss.

But there’s nothing pretentious about Celele, although you might expect that from such a well-renowned eatery. Its menu isn’t a far cry from any others I saw on my trip; it featured the usual Caribbean suspects, like banana leaf-wrapped fish filet, cassava bread, and goat stew. So, if it’s not innovative culinary dishes that make Celele a buzzy place to get a reservation, what is it?.

Cartagena is the perfect place setting for Celele by Proyecto Caribe Lab. The restaurant opened in 2018 and immediately started winning awards. Chefs Jamie Rodriguez and Sebastian Pinzon quickly carved out a unique niche for themselves in the already restaurant-heavy neighborhood of Getsemaní, where Cartagena’s most vibrant nightlife and cultural exhibitions are to be had.

Celele voted one of the world’s top 50 restaurants, is a reservation-only hotspot that offers an exclusive ambiance. It’s right in the heart of the Getsemaní district, and when you taste the meals, you see why it is. The neighbourhood’s creativity and the Colombian culture seep into the dining experience with flavour combinations you’d never expect to work in unison.

If there's one restaurant that I would recommend to every visitor to Cartagena, it is Celele. Innovative and creative chefs, passionate about showcasing the best produce and techniques of the Colombian Caribbean region delivering world-class cuisine where attention has been paid to absolutely every detail. Also the best bathroom in Cartagena (if that's your thing).

One of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, Celele stands out for its innovative approach to traditional Cartagenian food. The chef Jaime Rodriguez is an artist, experimenting with local ingredients to create contemporary dishes that tell the story of the region’s cultural mix. The result is a unique dining experience that’s as intriguing as it is satisfying.

If you only visit one restaurant during your stay in Cartagena, make sure it’s Celele. I ended up at this culinary masterpiece, which is a more accurate description than a restaurant, thanks to a recommendation from a local friend who is a chef. My friend works with several gastronomy projects in Colombia, and if he says that a place is good, it is.

This is the kind of place that makes you rethink what Caribbean food can be. Chef Jaime Rodríguez spent years exploring Colombia’s coastal communities, gathering forgotten ingredients and techniques, and the result is a menu that is as educational as it is delicious. Rated one of the World’s Best Top 50 Restaurants and it’s easy to see why.

What to Expect: Noted as one of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants in 2021, Celele offers Colombian food with a modern twist. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to dine here during my stay as reservations are required, but it came highly recommended, and the dishes look incredible. Tip: Read the reviews to see which plates you want to order.

Si lo tuyo es la comida gourmet, Celele es uno de los restaurantes más famoso de Cartagena gracias a su enfoque en ingredientes locales y técnicas culinarias innovadoras. En Celele, el «Pargo Rojo» es una obra maestra culinaria. Este plato presenta pargo rojo fresco con ingredientes locales, creando una experiencia gastronómica única.

One of Cartagena’s most celebrated restaurants, also located in hip Getsemani, Celele is worth a visit but definitely requires a reservation. Brian and I both felt like you could plop Celele down in any hot North American city and it would fit right in. The presentation of the food was spectacular and everything tasted great here too.

Located in the Getsemaní neighborhood, Celele has become a must-visit destination for food lovers. This restaurant has gained recognition for its innovative take on Caribbean cuisine. The chefs at Celele have traveled along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, collecting recipes and techniques that they transform into surprising dishes.

First up is one of the city’s can’t-miss offerings in the bohemian quarter of Getsemaní. Beginning as a project to discover and preserve the culture and cuisine of Colombia’s Caribbean region, Celele’s menu reflects their commitment to local ingredients and dishes of the highest quality. View this post on Instagram

Celele - Ubicado en el vibrante barrio de Getsemaní, Celele está incluido en los 50 mejores restaurantes del mundo para 2021 y 2022. El menú está inspirado en la biodiversidad y la rica gastronomía de Colombia. Este restaurante fue fundado por los reconocidos chefs colombianos Jaime Rodríguez y Sebastián Pinzón.

Celele - Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Getsemani, Celele is included in the world's 50 best restaurants for 2021 and 2022. The menu is inspired by Colombia's biodiversity and rich gastronomy. This restaurant was founded by renowned Colombian chefs Jaime Rodriguez and Sebastian Pinzon.

I also can’t say enough about our experience at Celele, a notable restaurant in Cartagena. Two drinks in particular stand out on the menu: the Dirty Collins and the Mama Africa. The Mama Africa is their signature cocktail and is a sensory experience of taste and smell.

For people who like innovative dishes and fresh new food creations, Celele is your place in Getsemaní. Not only does it have a unique menu, but it also has a sense of history. Each menu item describes precisely what it is and how and why it is prepared the way it is.

Celele is easily the most famous restaurant in Cartagena and you’ll need to book a table well in advance. With countless accolades to their name, including a regular feature on the list of 50 best restaurants in Latin America, Celele is a true dining experience.

It was also worthwhile to try unique Colombian foods at Celele restaurant after mostly having American-style food, especially as a vegetarian. Cartagena is also a fantastic jumping-off spot for the Rosario Islands which was a highlight of my time in Colombia.

Celele (Getsemaní): This restaurant pays homage to the many flavors of Colombian Caribbean cuisine. Through its rotating seasonal menu, it showcases the African, Spanish, Syrian, Lebanese, and indigenous influences found in local food.

10c ##29-200, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia. Restaurante Celele is one of the successful restaurants in Cartagena. It won the 2019 Miele One to Watch Award on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Celele: A unique gastronomic experience with innovative chefs showcasing the best flavours and techniques the Colombian Caribbean region has to offer, delivering world-class cuisine with fine attention to detail (book ahead).

Celele: This restaurant is quickly becoming one of the best places to dine in Cartagena. The cuisine features creative Caribbean style dishes in the perfect quintessential Cartagena ambiance.

In the evening, savor a farewell dinner at Celele, one of the most famous restaurants in the city and one of the best in Latin America according to the 50 Best list.

Celele is Number 19 in the World’s Best Restaurants in Latin America. What more can we say about Celele?. The best meal in Colombia!